The thought of having half a dozen or more tiny needles sticking into your skin when you’re pregnant, might sound frightening. However, Acupuncture is actually a safe, painless, straightforward procedure that can treat a number of adverse symptoms associated with pregnancy.
#1) Reduces Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms reported by pregnant women. As the womb grows to accommodate the mother’s unborn baby, ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. This stretching, combined with the increased weight and hormone changes, can result in mild-to-severe pelvic pain.
Acupuncture offers a safe and effective way to treat pelvic pain without relying on drugs that may otherwise harm the unborn baby. This is done by encouraging the body to activate its own “self-healing” mechanism.
#2) Helps Morning Sickness
Pregnancy does not always lead to nausea or morning sickness, but if it does, Acupuncture is proven to help with these symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, and in National Institutes of Health, Nausea is one of the many conditions proven to be effectively treated by Acupuncture. At the Acupuncture & Wellness Center, we have helped bring relief to many pregnant patients dealing with morning sickness.
#3) Reduces Stress Levels
Acupuncture is also known to lower stress levels by regulating the production, and subsequent release, of hormones, which is something that all pregnant women can benefit from. A study published in the the Journal of Endocrinology found hormones related to stress were lowered in laboratory mice when electric Acupuncture was administered. The needles are believed to trigger the body’s healing response, which in turn regulates hormone production.
#4) Inducing Labor and Reducing Labor Duration
At the Acupuncture & Wellness Center, we provided Labor Induction treatments, which usually begin right around the due date. We have a very good success rate with inducing labor – right around 50%. For the half of the time we are unable to induce labor, the treatments usually have done wonders preparing for a smoother labor and delivery. Several studies have found Acupuncture to improve cervical maturation, and reduce labor times by as much as 20%.
#5) It’s Painless
This might be hard for some people to believe, but Acupuncture – when performed correctly – is completely painless. In fact, many people close their eyes to rest and relax while having the procedure performed. The small, thin needles are barely felt as they enter the skin. This is in stark contrast to other forms of treatment for pregnancy-related symptoms, which are typically accompanied with their own adverse side effects.
#6) Reduces Foot Pain
Yet another benefit of Acupuncture for expecting moms is reduction of foot pain. The added weight attributed to pregnancy often results in foot pain and swelling during those nine months. Thankfully, these symptoms can be alleviated through a series of Acupuncture sessions.
#7) Improves Blood Circulation
Of course, Acupuncture is also known to improve blood circulation. Blood pressure irregularities (including hypertension), spider veins, edema, and general exhaustion are all common blood flow-related symptoms experienced by women during pregnancy. Undergoing a series of Acupuncture sessions, though, may prevent these symptoms from occurring.
